BioMap2
CONSERVING THE BIODIVERSITY OF
MASSACHUSETTS IN A CHANGING WORLD
Webster
Produced in 2012
This report and associated map provide information about
important sites for biodiversity conservation in your area.
This information is intended for conservation planning, and is
not intended for use in state regulations.
BioMap2
Conserving the Biodiversity of Massachusetts in a Changing World
Table of Contents
Introduction
What is BioMap2 Ȯ Purpose and applications
One plan, two components
Understanding Core Habitat and its components
Understanding Critical Natural Landscape and its components
Understanding Core Habitat and Critical Natural Landscape Summaries
Sources of Additional Information
Webster Overview
Core Habitat and Critical Natural Landscape Summaries
Elements of BioMap2 Cores
Core Habitat Summaries
Elements of BioMap2 Critical Natural Landscapes
Critical Natural Landscape Summaries
Natural Heritage
& Endangered
Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife
1 Rabbit Hill Road, Westborough, MA 01581
phone: 508-389-6360 fax: 508-389-7890
Species Program
For more information on rare species and natural communities, please see our fact sheets online at www.mass.gov/nhesp.
BioMap2
Conserving the Biodiversity of Massachusetts in a Changing World
Introduction
The Massachusetts Department of Fish & Game,
ɳɧɱɮɴɦɧ ɳɧɤ Dɨɵɨɲɨɮɭ ɮɥ Fɨɲɧɤɱɨɤɲ ɠɭɣ Wɨɫɣɫɨɥɤ˘ɲ
Natural Heritage & Endangered Species
Program (NHESP), and The Nature
Cɮɭɲɤɱɵɠɭɢɸ˘ɲ Mɠɲɲɠɢɧɴɲɤɳɳɲ Pɱɮɦɱɠɬ
developed BioMap2 ɳɮ ɯɱɮɳɤɢɳ ɳɧɤ ɲɳɠɳɤ˘ɲ
biodiversity in the context of climate change.
BioMap2 ɢɮɬɡɨɭɤɲ NHESP˘ɲ ȯȬ ɸɤɠɱɲ ɮɥ
rigorously documented rare species and natural
community data with spatial data identifying
wildlife species and habitats that were the focus
ɮɥ ɳɧɤ Dɨɵɨɲɨɮɭ ɮɥ Fɨɲɧɤɱɨɤɲ ɠɭɣ Wɨɫɣɫɨɥɤ˘ɲ ȮȬȬȱ
State Wildlife Action Plan (SWAP). BioMap2 also
ɨɭɳɤɦɱɠɳɤɲ Tɧɤ Nɠɳɴɱɤ Cɮɭɲɤɱɵɠɭɢɸ˘ɲ ɠɲɲɤɲɲɬɤɭɳ
of large, well-connected, and intact ecosystems
and landscapes across the Commonwealth,
incorporating concepts of ecosystem resilience
to address anticipated climate change impacts.
Protection and stewardship of BioMap2 Core
Habitat and Critical Natural Landscape is
essential to safeguard the diversity of species
and their habitats, intact ecosystems, and
resilient natural landscapes across
Massachusetts.
What Does Status Mean?
The Division of Fisheries and Wildlife
determines a status category for each rare
species listed under the Massachusetts
Endangered Species Act (MESA), M.G.L. c.131A,
and its implementing regulations 321 CMR
10.00. Rare species are categorized as
Endangered, Threatened or of Special Concern
according to the following:
 Endangered species are in danger of
extinction throughout all or a significant
portion of their range or are in danger of
extirpation from Massachusetts.
Natural Heritage
& Endangered
Get your copy of the BioMap2 report! Download
from www.mass.gov/nhesp or contact Natural
Heritage at 508-389-6360 or
[email protected].
 Threatened species are likely to become
Endangered in Massachusetts in the
foreseeable future throughout all or a
significant portion of their range.
 Special Concern species have suffered a
decline that could threaten the species if
allowed to continue unchecked or occur in
such small numbers or with such restricted
distribution or specialized habitat
requirements that they could easily become
Threatened in Massachusetts.
In addition NHESP maintains an unofficial
watch list of plants that are tracked due to
potential conservation interest or concern, but
are not regulated under the Massachusetts
Endangered Species Act or other laws or
regulations. Likewise, described natural
communities are not regulated by any law or
regulations, but they can help to identify
Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife
1 Rabbit Hill Road, Westborough, MA 01581
phone: 508-389-6360 fax: 508-389-7890
Species Program
For more information on rare species and natural communities, please see our fact sheets online at www.mass.gov/nhesp.
BioMap2
Conserving the Biodiversity of Massachusetts in a Changing World
ecologically important areas that are worthy of
protection. The status of natural communities
reflects the documented number and acreages of
each community type in the state:
 Critically Imperiled communities typically
have 5 or fewer documented good sites or
have very few remaining acres in the state.
 Imperiled communities typically have 6-20
good sites or few remaining acres in the state.
 Vulnerable communities typically have 21100 good sites or limited acreage across the
state.
 Secure communities typically have over 100
sites or abundant acreage across the state;
however, excellent examples are identified as
Core Habit to ensure continued protection.
In 2005 the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries
and Wildlife completed a comprehensive State
Wildlife Action Plan (SWAP) documenting the
status of Massachusetts wildlife and providing
recommendations to help guide wildlife
conservation decision-making. SWAP includes
all the wildlife species listed under the
Massachusetts Endangered Species Act (MESA),
as well as more than 80 species that need
conservation attention but do not meet the
requirements for inclusion under MESA. The
SWAP document is organized around habitat
types in need of conservation within the
Commonwealth. While the original BioMap
focused primarily on rare species protected
under MESA, BioMap2 also addresses other
Species of Conservation Concern, their habitats,
and the ecosystems that support them to create a
spatial representation of most of the elements of
SWAP.
Core Habitat identifies key areas that are critical
for the long-term persistence of rare species and
other Species of Conservation Concern, as well
as a wide diversity of natural communities and
intact ecosystems across the Commonwealth.
Protection of Core Habitats will contribute to the
conservation of specific elements of biodiversity.
Critical Natural Landscape identifies large
natural Landscape Blocks that are minimally
impacted by development. If protected, these
areas will provide habitat for wide-ranging
native species, support intact ecological
processes, maintain connectivity among
habitats, and enhance ecological resilience to
natural and anthropogenic disturbances in a
rapidly changing world. Areas delineated as
Critical Natural Landscape also include
buffering upland around wetland, coastal, and
aquatic Core Habitats to help ensure their longterm integrity.
The long-term persistence of Massachusetts
biological resources requires a determined
commitment to land and water conservation.
Protection and stewardship of both Critical
Natural Landscapes and Core Habitats are
needed to realize the biodiversity conservation
vision of BioMap2.
Components of Core Habitat
Core Habitat identifies specific areas necessary
to promote the long-term persistence of rare
species, other Species of Conservation Concern,
exemplary natural communities, and intact
ecosystems.
Rare Species
BioMap2: One Plan, Two Components
BioMap2 identifies two complementary spatial
layers, Core Habitat and Critical Natural
Landscape.
Natural Heritage
& Endangered
There are 432 native plant and animal species
listed as Endangered, Threatened or Special
Concern under the Massachusetts Endangered
Species Act (MESA) based on their rarity,
population trends, and threats to survival. For
Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife
1 Rabbit Hill Road, Westborough, MA 01581
phone: 508-389-6360 fax: 508-389-7890
Species Program
For more information on rare species and natural communities, please see our fact sheets online at www.mass.gov/nhesp.
BioMap2
Conserving the Biodiversity of Massachusetts in a Changing World
Table 1. Species of Conservation Concern
described in the State Wildlife Action Plan
and/or included on the MESA List and for which
habitat was mapped in BioMap2. Note that
plants are not included in SWAP, and that
marine species such as whales and sea turtles
are not included in BioMap2.
Taxonomic
Group
Mammals
Birds
Reptiles
Amphibians
Fish
Invertebrates
Plants
Total
MESAlisted
Species
4
27
10
4
10
102
256
413
Non-listed Species
of Conservation
Concern
5
23
5
3
17
9
0
62
BioMap2, NHESP staff identified the highest
quality habitat sites for each non-marine species
based on size, condition, and landscape context.
priority to natural communities with limited
distribution and to the best examples of more
common types.
Vernal Pools
Vernal pools are small, seasonal wetlands that
provide important wildlife habitat, especially for
amphibians and invertebrate animals that use
them to breed. BioMap2 identifies the top 5
percent most interconnected clusters of Potential
Vernal Pools in the state.
Forest Cores
In BioMap2, Core Habitat includes the best
examples of large, intact forests that are least
impacted by roads and development, providing
critical habitat for numerous woodland species.
For example, the interior forest habitat defined
by Forest Cores supports many bird species
sensitive to the impacts of roads and
development, such as the Black-throated Green
Warbler, and helps maintain ecological
processes found only in unfragmented forest
patches.
Other Species of Conservation Concern
In addition to species on the MESA List
described previously, the State Wildlife Action
Plan (SWAP) identifies 257 wildlife species and
22 natural habitats most in need of conservation
within the Commonwealth. BioMap2 includes
species-specific habitat areas for 45 of these
species and habitat for 17 additional species
which was mapped with other coarse-filter and
fine-filter approaches.
Priority Natural Communities
Natural communities are assemblages of plant
and animal species that share a common
environment and occur together repeatedly on
the landscape. BioMap2 gives conservation
Natural Heritage
& Endangered
Wetland Cores
BioMap2 used an assessment of Ecological
Integrity to identify the least disturbed wetlands
in the state within undeveloped landscapesȯ
those with intact buffers and little fragmentation
or other stressors associated with development.
These wetlands are most likely to support
critical wetland functions (i.e., natural
hydrologic conditions, diverse plant and animal
habitats, etc.) and are most likely to maintain
these functions into the future.
Aquatic Cores
To delineate integrated and functional
ecosystems for fish species and other aquatic
Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife
1 Rabbit Hill Road, Westborough, MA 01581
phone: 508-389-6360 fax: 508-389-7890
Species Program
For more information on rare species and natural communities, please see our fact sheets online at www.mass.gov/nhesp.
BioMap2
Conserving the Biodiversity of Massachusetts in a Changing World
Species of Conservation Concern, beyond the
species and exemplary habitats described above,
BioMap2 identifies intact river corridors within
which important physical and ecological
processes of the river or stream occur.
Components of Critical Natural Landscape
Critical Natural Landscape identifies intact
landscapes in Massachusetts that are better able
to support ecological processes and disturbance
regimes, and a wide array of species and
habitats over long time frames.
Landscape Blocks
BioMap2 identifies the most intact large areas of
predominately natural vegetation, consisting of
contiguous forests, wetlands, rivers, lakes, and
ponds, as well as coastal habitats such as barrier
beaches and salt marshes.
Upland Buffers of Wetland and Aquatic
Cores
A variety of analyses were used to identify
protective upland buffers around wetlands and
rivers.
Upland Habitat to Support Coastal
Adaptation
BioMap2 identifies undeveloped lands adjacent
to and up to one and a half meters above
existing salt marshes as Critical Natural
Landscapes with high potential to support
inland migration of salt marsh and other coastal
habitats over the coming century.
The conservation areas identified by BioMap2
are based on breadth and depth of data,
scientific expertise, and understanding of
Mɠɲɲɠɢɧɴɲɤɳɳɲ˘ ɡɨɮɣɨɵɤɱɲɨɳɸ˅ Tɧɤ ɭɴɬɤɱɮɴɲ
sources of information and analyses used to
Natural Heritage
& Endangered
Legal Protection of Biodiversity
BioMap2 presents a powerful vision of what
Massachusetts would look like with full
protection of the land most important for
ɲɴɯɯɮɱɳɨɭɦ ɳɧɤ Cɮɬɬɮɭɶɤɠɫɳɧ˘ɲ ɡɨɮɣɨɵɤɱɲɨɳɸ˅
While BioMap2 is a planning tool with no
regulatory function, all state-listed species enjoy
legal protection under the Massachusetts
Endangered Species Act (M.G.L. c.131A) and its
implementing regulations (321 CMR 10.00).
Wetland habitat of state-listed wildlife is also
protected under the Wetlands Protection Act
Regulations (310 CMR 10.00). The Natural
Heritage Atlas contains maps of Priority Habitats
and Estimated Habitats, which are used,
respectively, for regulation under the
Massachusetts Endangered Species Act and the
Wetlands Protection Act. For more information
on rare species regulations, and to view Priority
and Estimated Habitat maps, please see the
Regulatory Review page at
http://www.mass.gov/eea/agencies/dfg/dfw/natur
al-heritage/regulatory-review/.
BioMap2 is a conservation planning tool that
does not, in any way, supplant the Estimated
and Priority Habitat Maps which have
regulatory significance. Unless and until the
BioMap2 vision is fully realized, we must
continue to protect our most imperiled species
and their habitats.
create Core Habitat and Critical Natural
Landscape are complementary, and outline a
comprehensive conservation vision for
Massachusetts, from rare species to intact
landscapes. In total, these robust analyses
define a suite of priority lands and waters that, if
permanently protected, will support
Mɠɲɲɠɢɧɴɲɤɳɳɲ˘ ɭɠɳɴɱɠɫ ɲɸɲɳɤɬɲ ɥɮɱ ɦɤɭɤɱɠɳɨɮɭɲ
to come.
Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife
1 Rabbit Hill Road, Westborough, MA 01581
phone: 508-389-6360 fax: 508-389-7890
Species Program
For more information on rare species and natural communities, please see our fact sheets online at www.mass.gov/nhesp.
BioMap2
Conserving the Biodiversity of Massachusetts in a Changing World
Understanding Core Habitat Summaries
Following the Town Overview, there is a
descriptive summary of each Core Habitat and
Critical Natural Landscape that occurs in your
city or town. These summaries highlight some
of the outstanding characteristics of each Core
Habitat and Critical Natural Landscape, and
will help you learn more about your city or
ɳɮɶɭ˘ɲ ɡɨɮɣɨɵɤɱɲɨɳɸ˅ Yɮɴ ɢɠɭ ɥɨɭɣ ɮɴɳ ɬɮɱɤ
information about many of these species and
natural communities by looking at specific fact
sheets at www.mass.gov/nhesp.
Additional Information
For copies of the full BioMap2 report, the
Technical Report, and an interactive mapping
tool, visit the BioMap2 website via the Land
Protection and Planning tab at
www.mass.gov/nhesp. If you have any
questions about this report, or if you need help
protecting land for biodiversity in your
community, the Natural Heritage & Endangered
Species Program staff looks forward to working
with you.
Contact the Natural Heritage & Endangered
Species Program
By phone
By fax
By email
By Mail
508-389-6360
508-389-7890
[email protected]
100 Hartwell Street, Suite 230
West Boylston, MA 01583
The GIS datalayers of BioMap2 are available for
download from MassGIS at
www.mass.gov/mgis.
Natural Heritage
& Endangered
Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife
1 Rabbit Hill Road, Westborough, MA 01581
phone: 508-389-6360 fax: 508-389-7890
Species Program
For more information on rare species and natural communities, please see our fact sheets online at www.mass.gov/nhesp.
BioMap2
Conserving the Biodiversity of Massachusetts in a Changing World
Town Overview
Webster lies within the Southern New England
Coastal Plains and Hills Ecoregion, an area
comprised of plains with a few low hills. Forests
are mainly central hardwoods with some transition
hardwoods and some elm-ash-red maple and red
and white pine. Many major rivers drain this area.
Webster at a Glance
 Total Area: 9,342 acres (14.6 square miles)
 Human Population in 2010: 16,767
 Open space protected in perpetuity: 1,034
acres, or 11.1% percent of total area*
 BioMap2 Core Habitat: 2,138 acres
 BioMap2 Core Habitat Protected: 870 acres or
40.7%
 BioMap2 Critical Natural Landscape: 2,123
acres
 BioMap2 Critical Natural Landscape
Protected: 855 acres or 40.3%.
BioMap2 Components
Core Habitat
 1 Exemplary or Priority Natural Community
 2 Forest Cores
 1 Wetland Core
 3Aquatic Cores
 1 Vernal Pool Core
 7 Species of Conservation Concern Cores**
o 1 bird, 2 reptiles, 1 amphibian, 3 insects, 2
mussels, 2 plants
Critical Natural Landscape
 2 Landscape Blocks
 2 Wetland Core Buffers
 3 Aquatic Core Buffers
* Calculated uɲɨɭɦ MɠɲɲGIS ɣɠɳɠ ɫɠɸɤɱ ȃPɱɮɳɤɢɳɤɣ
and Recreational Open SpaceȯMarch, ȮȬȭȮȄ.
** See next pages for complete list of species,
natural communities and other biodiversity
elements.
Natural Heritage
& Endangered
Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife
1 Rabbit Hill Road, Westborough, MA 01581
phone: 508-389-6360 fax: 508-389-7890
Species Program
For more information on rare species and natural communities, please see our fact sheets online at www.mass.gov/nhesp.
BioMap2
Conserving the Biodiversity of Massachusetts in a Changing World
BioMap2 Core Habitat and Critical Natural Landscape in Webster
Natural Heritage
& Endangered
Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife
1 Rabbit Hill Road, Westborough, MA 01581
phone: 508-389-6360 fax: 508-389-7890
Species Program
For more information on rare species and natural communities, please see our fact sheets online at www.mass.gov/nhesp.
BioMap2
Conserving the Biodiversity of Massachusetts in a Changing World
Species of Conservation Concern, Priority and Exemplary Natural Communities,
and Other Elements of Biodiversity in Webster
Mussels
Creeper, (Strophitus undulatus), SC
Triangle Floater, (Alasmidonta undulata), Non-listed SWAP
Insects
Moths
Orange Sallow Moth, (Pyrrhia aurantiago), SC
Damselflies
Pine Barrens Bluet, (Enallagma recurvatum), T
Dragonflies
Comet Darner, (Anax longipes), SC
Amphibians
Marbled Salamander, (Ambystoma opacum), T
Reptiles
Northern Black Racer, (Coluber constrictor), Non-listed SWAP
Spotted Turtle, (Clemmys guttata), Non-listed SWAP
Birds
Eastern Whip-poor-will, (Caprimulgus vociferus), SC
Plants
Bristly Buttercup, (Ranunculus pensylvanicus), SC
Algae-like Pondweed, (Potamogeton confervoides), T
Priority Natural Communities
Acidic Shrub Fen, S3
Other BioMap2 Components
Forest Core
Aquatic Core
Wetland Core
Vernal Pool Core
Landscape Block
Aquatic Core Buffer
Wetland Core Buffer
Natural Heritage
& Endangered
Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife
1 Rabbit Hill Road, Westborough, MA 01581
phone: 508-389-6360 fax: 508-389-7890
Species Program
For more information on rare species and natural communities, please see our fact sheets online at www.mass.gov/nhesp.
BioMap2
Conserving the Biodiversity of Massachusetts in a Changing World
E
T
SC
S1
= Endangered
= Threatened
= Special Concern
= Critically Imperiled communities, typically 5 or fewer documented sites or very few remaining
acres in the state.
S2 = Imperiled communities, typically 6-20 sites or few remaining acres in the state.
S3 = Vulnerable communities, typically have 21-100 sites or limited acreage across the state.
Natural Heritage
& Endangered
Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife
1 Rabbit Hill Road, Westborough, MA 01581
phone: 508-389-6360 fax: 508-389-7890
Species Program
For more information on rare species and natural communities, please see our fact sheets online at www.mass.gov/nhesp.
BioMap2
Conserving the Biodiversity of Massachusetts in a Changing World
BioMap2 Core Habitat in Webster
Core IDs correspond with the following element lists and summaries.
Natural Heritage
& Endangered
Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife
1 Rabbit Hill Road, Westborough, MA 01581
phone: 508-389-6360 fax: 508-389-7890
Species Program
For more information on rare species and natural communities, please see our fact sheets online at www.mass.gov/nhesp.
BioMap2
Conserving the Biodiversity of Massachusetts in a Changing World
Elements of BioMap2 Cores
This section lists all elements of BioMap2 Cores that fall entirely or partially within Webster. The elements
listed here may not occur within the bounds of Webster.
Core 936
Aquatic Core
Species of Conservation Concern
Creeper
Triangle Floater
Strophitus undulatus
Alasmidonta undulata
SC
Non-listed SWAP
Core 941
Forest Core
Wetland Core
Aquatic Core
Vernal Pool Core
Priority & Exemplary Natural Communities
Inland Atlantic white cedar swamp
Kettlehole Wet Meadow
Oak - Tulip Tree Forest
Species of Conservation Concern
Potamogeton confervoides
Algae-like Pondweed
Sclerolepis uniflora
Sclerolepis
Papaipema stenocelis
Chain Fern Borer Moth
Callophrys hesseli
Hessel's Hairstreak
Enallagma daeckii
Attenuated Bluet
Enallagma recurvatum
Pine Barrens Bluet
Enallagma pictum
Scarlet Bluet
Anax longipes
Comet Darner
Hemidactylium scutatum
Four-toed Salamander
Ambystoma opacum
Marbled Salamander
Caprimulgus vociferus
Eastern Whip-poor-will
S2
S3
T
E
T
SC
T
T
T
SC
Non-listed SWAP
T
SC
Core 965
Priority & Exemplary Natural Communities
Acidic Shrub Fen
S3
Core 967
Aquatic Core
Priority & Exemplary Natural Communities
Acidic Shrub Fen
Species of Conservation Concern
Bristly Buttercup
Ranunculus pensylvanicus
Natural Heritage
& Endangered
S3
SC
Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife
1 Rabbit Hill Road, Westborough, MA 01581
phone: 508-389-6360 fax: 508-389-7890
Species Program
For more information on rare species and natural communities, please see our fact sheets online at www.mass.gov/nhesp.
BioMap2
Conserving the Biodiversity of Massachusetts in a Changing World
Core 1051
Aquatic Core
Species of Conservation Concern
Northern Black Racer
Spotted Turtle
Pied-billed Grebe
Coluber constrictor
Clemmys guttata
Podilymbus podiceps
Non-listed SWAP
Non-listed SWAP
E
Core 1080
Forest Core
Wetland Core
Aquatic Core
Priority & Exemplary Natural Communities
Acidic Graminoid Fen
Species of Conservation Concern
Potamogeton confervoides
Algae-like Pondweed
Eriophorum gracile
Slender Cottongrass
Pyrrhia aurantiago
Orange Sallow Moth
Enallagma recurvatum
Pine Barrens Bluet
Enallagma pictum
Scarlet Bluet
Neurocordulia obsoleta
Umber Shadowdragon
Ambystoma opacum
Marbled Salamander
Natural Heritage
& Endangered
S3
T
T
SC
T
T
SC
T
Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife
1 Rabbit Hill Road, Westborough, MA 01581
phone: 508-389-6360 fax: 508-389-7890
Species Program
For more information on rare species and natural communities, please see our fact sheets online at www.mass.gov/nhesp.
BioMap2
Conserving the Biodiversity of Massachusetts in a Changing World
Core Habitat Summaries
Core 936
A 70-acre Core Habitat featuring Aquatic Core and Species of Conservation Concern.
Aquatic Cores are intact river corridors within which important physical and ecological processes of the
river or stream occur. They delineate integrated and functional ecosystems for fish species and other
aquatic Species of Conservation Concern.
Creepers are freshwater mussels that inhabit low-gradient reaches of small to large rivers with sand or
gravel substrates. Cool to warm water with diverse fish assemblages best support Creepers.
Triangle Floaters are freshwater mussels commonly found in low-gradient river reaches with sand and
gravel substrates and low to moderate water velocities, although they are found in a wide range of
substrate and flow conditions.
Core 941
A 4,962-acre Core Habitat featuring Forest Core, Wetland Core, Aquatic Core, Vernal Pool Core, Priority
Natural Communities, and Species of Conservation Concern.
Forest Cores are the best examples of large, intact forests that are least impacted by roads and
development. Forest Cores support many bird species sensitive to the impacts of roads and development
and help maintain ecological processes found only in unfragmented forest patches.
This 2,194-acre Forest Core is the fourth largest in the ecoregion and among the largest 20% in the state. It
is part of an important cluster of Forest Cores, occurring primarily in Douglas, which are only partially
protected.
Wetland Cores are the least disturbed wetlands in the state within undeveloped landscapesȯthose with
intact buffers and little fragmentation or other stressors associated with development. These wetlands are
most likely to support critical wetland functions (i.e., natural hydrologic conditions, diverse plant and
animal habitats, etc.) and are most likely to maintain these functions into the future.
Aquatic Cores are intact river corridors within which important physical and ecological processes of the
river or stream occur. They delineate integrated and functional ecosystems for fish species and other
aquatic Species of Conservation Concern.
Vernal pools are small, seasonal wetlands that provide important wildlife habitat, especially for
amphibians and invertebrate animals that use them to breed. BioMap2 identifies the top 5 percent most
interconnected clusters of Potential Vernal Pools in the state.
Natural Heritage
& Endangered
Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife
1 Rabbit Hill Road, Westborough, MA 01581
phone: 508-389-6360 fax: 508-389-7890
Species Program
For more information on rare species and natural communities, please see our fact sheets online at www.mass.gov/nhesp.
BioMap2
Conserving the Biodiversity of Massachusetts in a Changing World
Inland Atlantic White Cedar Swamps are forested wetlands dominated by Atlantic white cedar, with
hemlock, spruce, red maple, and yellow birch. As in all Atlantic White Cedar swamps, water-saturated
peat overlies the mineral sediments.
Two small to moderate sized examples of Inland Atlantic White Cedar Swamp in good condition.
Kettlehole Wet Meadows are herbaceous communities found in glacial kettleholes in sandy soils with
seasonal water level changes. For most of the summer, they look like shallow ponds, but by late summer
they are covered by emergent vegetation. This example of a Kettlehole Wet Meadow is one of the largest
and best in the state, and is in excellent condition.
Oak -Tulip Tree Forests are characterized by tall, often emergent, tulip trees, mature red oaks, and
scattered other trees. Our occurrences are small patches on moist warm slopes in southern and western
Massachusetts. This very small Oak-Tulip Tree Forest is in very good condition on conservation land not
far from roads. This eastern-most known occurrence of the community in Massachusetts has several
locally uncommon species usually found in cooler areas.
Algae-like Pondweed is an aquatic plant with fine thread-like leaves. This plant is endemic primarily to
the Atlantic coast plain and can be found in acidic lakes and ponds.
Sclerolepis is a delicate, creeping plant in the Aster family, which can form extensive mats on pond
shores. In autumn, Sclerolepis produces pinkish or flesh-colored flowers borne in a terminal head. There
is only one occurrence of this species in New England, on the border between Massachusetts and Rhode
Island.
Chain Fern Borer moths inhabit coastal plain acidic wetlands (bogs, shrub swamps, etc.) with Virginia
chain fern (Woodwardia virginica). The larvae bore into and feed on the roots and stems of Virginia
chain fern.
Hessel's Hairstreak, a butterfly, is restricted to Atlantic White Cedar Swamps and Bogs, where the larvae
develop on new foliage of the Atlantic White Cedar trees.
Attenuated Bluets are small blue damselflies with exceptionally long abdomens. They inhabit a variety of
types of wetlands.
Pine Barrens Bluets, small damselflies, are restricted to coastal plain ponds and similar wetlands.
Scarlet Bluets are small (just over an inch long) damselflies with red eyes and orange bodies. They inhabit
acidic sandy ponds with floating vegetation.
The Comet Darner is a large dragonfly that inhabits ponds with emergent vegetation as both larvae and
adults. Surrounding upland forests provide protection while adults reach sexual maturity.
Four-toed Salamanders live in forested habitats surrounding swamps, bogs, marshes, vernal pools, and
other fish-free waters that are used as breeding sites. Most breeding sites in MA are characterized by pit-
Natural Heritage
& Endangered
Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife
1 Rabbit Hill Road, Westborough, MA 01581
phone: 508-389-6360 fax: 508-389-7890
Species Program
For more information on rare species and natural communities, please see our fact sheets online at www.mass.gov/nhesp.
BioMap2
Conserving the Biodiversity of Massachusetts in a Changing World
and-mound topography with significant sphagnum-moss cover. Eggs are typically laid in mounds or
patches of sphagnum moss that overhang water. Upon hatching, the larvae wriggle through the moss
and drop into the water, where they will develop for several weeks prior to metamorphosis.
Adult and juvenile Marbled Salamanders inhabit upland forests during most of the year, where they
reside in small-mammal burrows and other subsurface retreats. Adults migrate during late summer or
early fall to breed in dried portions of vernal pools, swamps, marshes, and other predominantly fish-free
wetlands. Eggs are deposited under logs, leaf-litter, or grass tussocks and hatch after being inundated by
fall rains. Larvae metamorphose during late spring, whereupon they disperse into upland forest.
Eastern Whip-poor-wills are nocturnal, ground-nesting birds of open dry oak woodlands and pine
barrens. Their diet consists primarily of moths taken on the wing. Though seldom seen, their call was
once a common nighttime sound of summer nights across Massachusetts. Whip-poor-wills have
experienced a dramatic range contraction in Massachusetts over the past few decades, and are now
mostly relegated to a handful of large pine barrens. This range contraction is believed to the result of
development and the habitat succession caused fire suppression. Whip-poor-wills often reclaim their
former haunts following active habitat management, such as prescribed fire and targeted logging.
Core 965
A 12-acre Core Habitat featuring a Priority Natural Community.
Acidic Shrub Fens are shrub-dominated acidic peatlands found primarily along pond margins in the
eastern and central part of the state. These wetland communities experience some groundwater and/or
surface water inputs, but no calcareous seepage. This is a large but disturbed Acidic Shrub Fen on the
margins of an impounded lake. It is surrounded by roads and development near many acres of
undeveloped land.
Core 967
A 26-acre Core Habitat featuring Aquatic Core, a Priority Natural Community, and a Species of
Conservation Concern.
Aquatic Cores are intact river corridors within which important physical and ecological processes of the
river or stream occur. They delineate integrated and functional ecosystems for fish species and other
aquatic Species of Conservation Concern.
Acidic Shrub Fens are shrub-dominated acidic peatlands found primarily along pond margins in the
eastern and central part of the state. These wetland communities experience some groundwater and/or
surface water inputs, but no calcareous seepage. This is a large but disturbed Acidic Shrub Fen on the
margins of an impounded lake. It is surrounded by roads and development near many acres of
undeveloped land.
Natural Heritage
& Endangered
Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife
1 Rabbit Hill Road, Westborough, MA 01581
phone: 508-389-6360 fax: 508-389-7890
Species Program
For more information on rare species and natural communities, please see our fact sheets online at www.mass.gov/nhesp.
BioMap2
Conserving the Biodiversity of Massachusetts in a Changing World
Bristly Buttercup is an annual or short-lived perennial herb with small, pale yellow flowers. A habitat
generalist, Bristly Buttercup grows in a variety of areas that tend to have open to filtered light and that
are wet to periodically flooded. It often inhabits areas with some disturbance.
Core 1051
A 299-acre Core Habitat featuring Aquatic Core and Species of Conservation Concern.
Aquatic Cores are intact river corridors within which important physical and ecological processes of the
river or stream occur. They delineate integrated and functional ecosystems for fish species and other
aquatic Species of Conservation Concern.
The Northern Black Racer is a snake of young upland forests, shrublands such as pitch pine/scrub oak
communities and rock cliffs. Although relatively common, its range appears to be constricting and its
abundance has been declining.
Strong populations of Spotted Turtles in good habitat - large, unfragmented, protected open space continue to be of interest for the conservation of this species. This small, dark-colored turtle with yellow
spots on its carapace inhabits a variety of wetlands year-round and nests in nearby uplands during
spring. Road and collection are the primary conservation concerns.
Pied-billed Grebes are secretive marshbirds that typically nest in dense cattail beds adjacent to open
water. They are very sensitive to disturbance and changes in water levels.
Core 1080
A 5,167-acre Core Habitat featuring Forest Core, Wetland Core, Aquatic Core, Priority Natural
Communities, and Species of Conservation Concern.
Forest Cores are the best examples of large, intact forests that are least impacted by roads and
development. Forest Cores support many bird species sensitive to the impacts of roads and development
and help maintain ecological processes found only in unfragmented forest patches.
This 4,424-acre Forest Core is the largest in the ecoregion and among the largest 20% in the state. It is part
of an important cluster of Forest Cores, occurring primarily in Douglas, which are only partially
protected.
Wetland Cores are the least disturbed wetlands in the state within undeveloped landscapesȯthose with
intact buffers and little fragmentation or other stressors associated with development. These wetlands are
most likely to support critical wetland functions (i.e., natural hydrologic conditions, diverse plant and
animal habitats, etc.) and are most likely to maintain these functions into the future.
Aquatic Cores are intact river corridors within which important physical and ecological processes of the
river or stream occur. They delineate integrated and functional ecosystems for fish species and other
aquatic Species of Conservation Concern.
Natural Heritage
& Endangered
Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife
1 Rabbit Hill Road, Westborough, MA 01581
phone: 508-389-6360 fax: 508-389-7890
Species Program
For more information on rare species and natural communities, please see our fact sheets online at www.mass.gov/nhesp.
BioMap2
Conserving the Biodiversity of Massachusetts in a Changing World
Acidic Graminoid Fens are sedge- and sphagnum-dominated acidic peatlands that experience some
groundwater and/or surface water flow but no calcareous seepage. Standing water is often present
throughout much of the growing season. This example of Acidic Graminoid Fen has good species and
structural diversity, and may be reverting to an Inland Atlantic White Cedar Swamp.
Algae-like Pondweed is an aquatic plant with fine thread-like leaves. This plant is endemic primarily to
the Atlantic coast plain and can be found in acidic lakes and ponds.
Slender Cottongrass is a plant of swamps and peatlands. Habitats in Massachusetts include acidic and
calcareous fens and portions of seepage swamps.
Orange Sallow Moths inhabit dry, open oak woodlands on rocky uplands. Their eggs are laid on false
foxgloves (Aureolaria spp.) where the larvae feed on the flowers and developing seeds.
Pine Barrens Bluets, small damselflies, are restricted to coastal plain ponds and similar wetlands.
Scarlet Bluets are small (just over an inch long) damselflies with red eyes and orange bodies. They inhabit
acidic sandy ponds with floating vegetation.
Umber Shadowdragons are dragonflies that are found on lakes with rocky shores and medium to large
rivers that have relatively little aquatic vegetation. Shadowdragons fly only at dusk when they feed and
mate in a frenzy of activity.
Adult and juvenile Marbled Salamanders inhabit upland forests during most of the year, where they
reside in small-mammal burrows and other subsurface retreats. Adults migrate during late summer or
early fall to breed in dried portions of vernal pools, swamps, marshes, and other predominantly fish-free
wetlands. Eggs are deposited under logs, leaf-litter, or grass tussocks and hatch after being inundated by
fall rains. Larvae metamorphose during late spring, whereupon they disperse into upland forest.
Natural Heritage
& Endangered
Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife
1 Rabbit Hill Road, Westborough, MA 01581
phone: 508-389-6360 fax: 508-389-7890
Species Program
For more information on rare species and natural communities, please see our fact sheets online at www.mass.gov/nhesp.
BioMap2
Conserving the Biodiversity of Massachusetts in a Changing World
BioMap2 Critical Natural Landscape in Webster
Critical Natural Landscape IDs correspond with the following element lists and summaries.
Natural Heritage
& Endangered
Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife
1 Rabbit Hill Road, Westborough, MA 01581
phone: 508-389-6360 fax: 508-389-7890
Species Program
For more information on rare species and natural communities, please see our fact sheets online at www.mass.gov/nhesp.
BioMap2
Conserving the Biodiversity of Massachusetts in a Changing World
Elements of BioMap2 Critical Natural Landscapes
This section lists all elements of BioMap2 Critical Natural Landscapes that fall entirely or partially within
Webster. The elements listed here may not occur within the bounds of Webster.
CNL 508
Aquatic Core Buffer
CNL 519
Aquatic Core Buffer
Wetland Core Buffer
CNL 618
Aquatic Core Buffer
Landscape Block
Wetland Core Buffer
Natural Heritage
& Endangered
Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife
1 Rabbit Hill Road, Westborough, MA 01581
phone: 508-389-6360 fax: 508-389-7890
Species Program
For more information on rare species and natural communities, please see our fact sheets online at www.mass.gov/nhesp.
BioMap2
Conserving the Biodiversity of Massachusetts in a Changing World
Critical Natural Landscape Summaries
CNL 508
An 89-acre Critical Natural Landscape featuring Aquatic Core Buffer.
A variety of analyses were used to identify protective upland buffers around wetlands and rivers. One,
the variable width buffers methodology, included the most intact areas around each wetland and river,
by extending deeper into surrounding unfragmented habitats than into developed areas adjacent to each
wetland. Other upland buffers were identified through the rare species habitat analysis. In this way, the
conservation of wetland buffers will support the habitats and functionality of each wetland, and also
include adjacent uplands that are important for many species that move between habitat types.
CNL 519
A 71-acre Critical Natural Landscape featuring Aquatic Core Buffer and Wetland Core Buffer.
A variety of analyses were used to identify protective upland buffers around wetlands and rivers. One,
the variable width buffers methodology, included the most intact areas around each wetland and river,
by extending deeper into surrounding unfragmented habitats than into developed areas adjacent to each
wetland. Other upland buffers were identified through the rare species habitat analysis. In this way, the
conservation of wetland buffers will support the habitats and functionality of each wetland, and also
include adjacent uplands that are important for many species that move between habitat types.
CNL 618
A 20,002-acre Critical Natural Landscape featuring Aquatic Core Buffer, Wetland Core Buffer and
Landscape Block.
A variety of analyses were used to identify protective upland buffers around wetlands and rivers. One,
the variable width buffers methodology, included the most intact areas around each wetland and river,
by extending deeper into surrounding unfragmented habitats than into developed areas adjacent to each
wetland. Other upland buffers were identified through the rare species habitat analysis. In this way, the
conservation of wetland buffers will support the habitats and functionality of each wetland, and also
include adjacent uplands that are important for many species that move between habitat types.
Landscape Blocks, the primary component of Critical Natural Landscapes, are large areas of intact
predominately natural vegetation, consisting of contiguous forests, wetlands, rivers, lakes, and ponds, as
well as coastal habitats such as barrier beaches and salt marshes. Pastures and power-line rights-of-way,
which are less intensively altered than most developed areas, were also included since they provide
habitat and connectivity for many species. Collectively, these natural cover types total 3.6 million acres
across the state. An Ecological Integrity assessment was used to identify the most intact and least
fragmented areas. These large Landscape Blocks are most likely to maintain dynamic ecological processes
such as buffering, connectivity, natural disturbance, and hydrological regimes, all of which help to
support wide-ranging wildlife species and many other elements of biodiversity.
In order to identify critical Landscape Blocks in each ecoregion, different Ecological Integrity thresholds
were used to select the largest intact landscape patches in each ecoregion while avoiding altered habitat
Natural Heritage
& Endangered
Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife
1 Rabbit Hill Road, Westborough, MA 01581
phone: 508-389-6360 fax: 508-389-7890
Species Program
For more information on rare species and natural communities, please see our fact sheets online at www.mass.gov/nhesp.
BioMap2
Conserving the Biodiversity of Massachusetts in a Changing World
as much as possible. This ecoregional representation accomplishes a key goal of BioMap2 to protect the
ecological stages that support a broad suite of biodiversity in the context of climate change. Blocks were
defined by major roads, and minimum size thresholds differed among ecoregions to ensure that BioMap2
includes the best of the best in each ecoregion.
Natural Heritage
& Endangered
Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife
1 Rabbit Hill Road, Westborough, MA 01581
phone: 508-389-6360 fax: 508-389-7890
Species Program
For more information on rare species and natural communities, please see our fact sheets online at www.mass.gov/nhesp.
Help Save Endangered Wildlife!
Please contribute on your Massachusetts income tax form or directly to the
Natural Heritage &
Endangered Species Fund
To learn more about the Natural Heritage & Endangered Species Program
ɠɭɣ ɳɧɤ Cɮɬɬɮɭɶɤɠɫɳɧ˘ɲ ɱɠɱɤ ɲɯɤɢɨɤɲˆ ɵɨɲɨɳ ɮɴɱ ɶɤɡ ɲɨɳɤ ɠɳ www.mass.gov/nhesp.